Armenia: Watered-Down Domestic Violence Law “Insulting to Women”

An October 17 hearing, organized by the Armenian parliament's Standing Committee on European Integration, on domestic violence legislation. Armenia's ruling party has expressed criticism of the bill, which has been backed by the European Union. (photo: parliament.am)

Armenia’s government has presented its final draft of controversial legal reforms aimed at preventing domestic violence in the country. The new package of laws substantially weakens them, critics contend, stripping them of meaningful content.

The new version of the law will be debated in parliament this week, deputy speaker Arpine Hovannisian said on November 27.

The final draft was presented by Armenian Justice Minister Davit Harutyunyan during a government meeting on November 16. The new package of laws have been somewhat euphemistically retitled “On the prevention of family violence, protection of persons subjected to family violence, and the restoration of family cohesion.” The reference to “domestic violence” in the previous bill has been removed from the title.

Armenia: Watered-Down Domestic Violence Law “Insulting to Women”

An October 17 hearing, organized by the Armenian parliament's Standing Committee on European Integration, on domestic violence legislation. Armenia's ruling party has expressed criticism of the bill, which has been backed by the European Union. (photo: parliament.am)